Moscow Pride Banned For Third Year

The homophobic Mayor of Moscow has banned this years gay pride event. The Mayor, who has referred to gay rights marches as "satanic" has outlawed the march which was due to take place next week. The move comes amidst a growing number of violent threats from members of the orthodox church and far right groups.

However, a number of gay rights activists are insisting on holding a variety of events over the coming weeks, highlighting the homophobia that Russia's LGBT community are subjected to. Moscow Pride was banned by the city's Mayor in 2006 and in 2007.

There has been an increasing amount of global publicity concerning the persecution of Moscow's LGBT community and the prejudice that the community are receiving from their homophobic Mayor. A spokesmen from his office said: "It is a matter of surprise and indignation that gays plan to carry out unsanctioned gatherings in various parts of Moscow during the Festival ofPeace and Work".

An unsanctioned parade on May 27 last year, the anniversary of the abolition of a Soviet law that criminalized homosexuality, ended with ultra-nationalists throwing eggs and punching and kicking gay activists. Last year a number of gay protesters including Peter Tatchell and Right Said Fred singer Richard Fairbrass, were physically attacked by a homophobic mob.

I think I said the same thing last year, but as you attend your gay pride this year, count your blessings.